Geometry Agenda; April 16th 2012

Class,
Here is your agenda for today:
1.  Study 10 minutes for Quiz 9.2
2.  Take Quiz 9.2
3.  Make sure all work from #54 syllabus is completed. (Turn in entire packet for grade)
4.  #55(a,b) Take very good notes on this sections 9.3 (Construction work Tuesday)

Islamic Art and Culture Videos

Pythagorean Theorem

This is a Java Applet created using GeoGebra from www.geogebra.org - it looks like you don't have Java installed, please go to www.java.com

Geometry Class Expectations

Email: jmacdonald@millerschool.org  - www.millerschoolmath.blogspot.com - Phone: (434) 823-4805 ex 250

Course Description: This class emphasizes two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems. Concepts are introduced in the context of real-world problems in order to increase the conceptual development of the student.  A variety of application problems and problem-solving skills are included.  This course covers properties of geometric figures, definitions, informal proofs, trigonometric relationships, logic, and justification techniques. Our textbook is Geometry Prentice Hall Mathematics.

Materials for Class:  Students are required to come to class everyday with:

1.    A binder, which includes the following sections:

o   Notes

o   Homework

o   Quizzes

o   Projects/Drawings

2.    Computer (with required software)

3.    Pencil, protractor, ruler, and compass (preferably with wheel adjustment)

Student's Material Check Off 
Daily Work Flow Chart 

Participation: Because learning is an active process, every student is expected to show active participation in class. Participation includes answering questions during class, making relevant comments and suggestions during class, helping other students, and group work. Participating also means being prepared.

Lateness: You are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared to work every day.  Read the Miller School Student Handbook about more information on this topic.

Absences: When you miss a class, you are expected to complete all the work from that day and keep up with any note taking/outlining.  A syllabus will be provided for all assignments and my math blog will have updates.  Email me at the address above if you need clarification.  If you miss a quiz, we will set up a time for you to take it.  You are responsible for submitting work missed.

Classroom Behavior: Please respect your classmates, your teacher and their property. I expect you to be polite and courteous to your classmates and your teacher to promote the best possible learning environment.

Homework:

·        Homework will be assigned daily from your syllabus.  It may consist of problems from the text, on-line problems, outlining and note taking, journal writing, watching tutorial videos or other project work. Always record the homework in your planner and know where to find the syllabus online and how to access the math calendar.

·         Homework should always be completed in pencil in the required format. Check all odd answers in the back of the book. I expect you to correct the rest of the answers from your homework as we go over it in class. Making mistakes is important in how you learn.

·         Maintaining your notebook will be a critical part of the class and notebook checks and notebook quizzes may be given.

·         Homework and class work is all about reinforcing important concepts.  It will be graded on effort, organization, neatness and your participation in group work.  If you miss an assignment you will be responsible for getting the work completed.  Difficulty with completing assignments on time will result in mandatory Help Session or Saturday Study Hall. You get half credit if you turn in an assignment late.

·         Computer:  A computer is mandatory for this course and should be brought to class charged with required software daily.  We will be using the Khan Academy site and occasionally using Google SketchUp and Geogebra software which are free downloads from the internet.  You will also need you computer to have access to the Miller School Math Blog.  You must check you school gmail account daily.

Grading:  The semester grade will be computed by the following percentages

Quizzes                                 35% (Quizzes on material will be announced and covered smaller portions of the material. Outline quizzes are unannounced and test how well you have taken notes on a particular reading.)

Projects                                  30% (There will be small projects and writing assignments as well as one or two large projects each quarter.)

Homework/Class work       35% (Homework is checked and graded daily. Preparation is also included as a part of homework which means all required materials are brought to class daily.  Note taking/Outlining is also homework as well as any writing assignments. Many assignments need to be completed during class. Use your class time effectively)

We have two semesters. They are averaged to give you your final grade. Each semester has two quarters that are worth 40% each and a semester exam worth 20%.

Help: One of the great aspects of MSA is the availability of teachers to work with you one on one. I am frequently available for extra help during 7^th period. If you have questions about the homework, any upcoming quizzes, projects, or anything about the class please stop by. You can make an appointment with me or just drop in, but please be on time to help sessions which begin at 2:50pm.           

- Mr. Macdonald

Check out the Slope on that Number!

Lego Man Project

Follow the link to the instructions of the Lego Man Project.

Lego Man Project Instructions

The Story of Math: Episode 1, Part I “The Egyptians”

1. What discipline led the way to certain knowledge about the physical world?

2. Name a reason why ancestors studied math.

3. Why is it important to understand patterns?

4. When did the Egyptian New Year start?

5. Why did people need to count?

6. What was the Egyptian unit of measurement and why was it used?

7. Why would a farmer receive a rebate?

8. What was the drawback of the Egyptian number system?

9. What ancient system of counting does our computing system use?

10. How did Egyptians use fractions to show a geometric series?

11. What is Pi and how did the Egyptians approximate it?

12. What is the Golden Ratio?

13. What did the Egyptians use to form perfect right triangles in their construction?

14. What formula did the Moscow Papyrus show and why is this significant?



Journal Entry: How does math affect your everyday decisions? DUE ________________

You have watched the first part of “The History of Math” and have seen how the ancient Egyptians used math practically to solve everyday problems. Now it is time for you to think about how you have used math.

Whether we are trying to figure the best payment plan for our new Droid cell phone, figure out how much paint and screen to buy to fix the beach house porch, or chemical ratios used to mix into the back yard pool; math is inextricably used in our everyday life. It’s even hardwired into our brains like when we look both ways when crossing a busy city street calculating mentally the speed and direction of oncoming traffic so we know when it is safe to cross.

Type a one page narrative in the first person about three or four specific examples of how you have used math in your life. You may have used it for a summer job at the supermarket, a building project with your parents or church, or a service project with your school or the scouts. Describe what specific kinds of math you used to solve the examples you will state.


Here are the steps we will use for this writing project.

Part I: Brain storm - Come up with several good ideas that you may use to explain how you used math.

Part II: Topic intro - State why math is important in everyday and set up some of the practical examples you will describe.

Part III: Heart of your journal - Describe in the first person the examples of how you used math and how it made your task easier.

Part IV: Write a conclusion statement or paragraph summing up your experiences.

Part V: Reread, proof for grammar and spelling.

Part VI: Share with a peer to get suggestion on how to make it read more easily.

Part VII: Rewrite.

Part VIII: Submit.